Publication:

Mā’ al-Laḥm (meat soup): a narrative review on Unani Pharmacopeial protein formulation dosage form

In the Unani system of medicine, diet is an integral part of the treatment regimen, and dietary recommendations for health promotion have been practiced for ages. Special diets such as Mā’ al-Laḥm (meat soup), Mā’ al-Jubn (whey), Mā’ al-Asal (honey water), and Mā’ al-Sha‘īr (barley water), are the essential therapeutic agents in Unani medicine that can effectively and affordably address lifestyle disorders and malnutrition-related diseases. Among these, Mā’ al-Laḥm is a unique Unani Pharmacopeial formulation made with meat and herbal ingredients in the form of soup or distillate. It is a protein-rich liquid dosage form that revitalizes the body by strengthening organs and enhancing physical strength and energy. This natural remedy is used to treat various health issues, including anemia, cardiac weakness, liver and stomach problems, weak immunity, and general debility. Mā’ al-Laḥm combines the health benefits of both meat and medicinal herbs. Meat constitutes high-quality proteins, vitamins, minerals, bioavailable iron, and an assembly of beneficial bioactive compounds such as conjugated linoleic acid, glutathione, creatine, taurine, L-carnitine, carnosine, and bioactive peptides. The medicinal herbs contribute additional bioactive components, including carotenoids, coumarins, flavonoids, lignans, phthalates, plant sterols, polyphenols, saponins, and terpenoids, which offer various positive health effects. Unani medicine may offer much-needed and affordable nutritionally and therapeutically dense choice for consumers. This review article attempts to provide a comprehensive account of Mā’ al-Laḥm, covering its preparation methods, different formulations, therapeutic uses, and the characteristics of different types of meat. Nutritional composition and bioactive constituents of meat are also described to signify the nutritional and medicinal properties of Mā’ al-Laḥm.